The 7 Best No Pull Dog Harnesses Australia: Tested & Evaluated

I am surprised that my arms are still in their sockets.

Having raised three unruly large dogs from puppyhood to old age, walk training was never my strong suit. These dogs were so much stronger than me. Given that I am incredibly light, they would drag me across the pathways like a ragdoll to investigate anything that piqued their interest.

It wasn’t until I discovered dog harnesses that walking became easier. (Not amazing - just easier.) If you are struggling to get your pup under control as you walk, then a no pull dog harness can be an absolute game-changer.

It is a unique product with a unique purpose so we’re going to break it all down today. After testing out literally dozens and dozens of the top dog harnesses out there, we consider ourselves quite the experts. We’ll discuss what to look for in a no pull harness and why it is superior to the humble collar.

At the end, we’ve outlined our top picks for no pull dog harnesses in Australia that we compiled after months of research. Hopefully, with our guidance, you can find the right fit for you and your pup. Let's get to it!

Related: Best Dog Harness Australia (Buyers Guide).

Australia's Best No Pull Dog Harnesses Reviewed

So now we have dissected the ins and outs of a great anti pull dog harness, let’s dive into our expert recommendations for no pull harnesses available in Australia. Though most harnesses have a standard shape and construction, there are some subtle variations that may suit your dog’s physiology in a specific way.

Our team did its best to find a good range of sizes and innovative designs so you can find the right one for your dog. We have ranked the following no-pull harnesses in terms of comfort, cost, performance, and other markers to help you find the perfect choice for your pooch.

No-pull harnesses that are comfortable to wear for extended periods are difficult to come by, but this option from Fur King is exactly that.

But let’s start with the most important part of today’s theme - the no-pull feature. In this case, the no-pull system is based on a lead attachment that is located in the middle of the harness’s chest plate. When I attached the lead there, the harness became a gentle training tool. If my dog tried to pull, he would be drawn sideways and closer to you due to the position of the lead. No pain involved.

And when you decide your pup is ready to walk on a normal harness, all you need to do is unclip the leash and attach it to the alternative D-ring on the back of the harness. Et voila! You have a regular walking harness, perfect both for everyday walks and for longer outings. We also love how while the harness is durable, it is not too heavy-duty for hotter days, and tis is one of the things that sets it above and beyond our number two choice.

The body of this harness features a two-layered construction. On the inside of the harness, there is a soft mesh that allows the harness to fit snugly without causing any discomfort. The external layer is made from strong and weather-resistant Oxford fabric to ensure durability. Our experts noted that this construction allows for the perfect mix of comfort and ruggedness, perfect for everyday walks and training sessions alike.

Overall, this is a great product that’s easy to fall in love with. You might get it to help teach your dog not to pull on the leash, but you’ll probably end up using this harness even when your dog is fully trained and stops needing the no-pull feature.

The perfect no-pull dog harness is comfortable, well fitted, easy to use and long-lasting. We are pleased to say we have found the best of the best when it comes to all of those aspects. Introducing the True Love Adventurer No Pull Dog Harness.

True Love have made a truly versatile harness here. Whether I was taking my dog on a gentle stroll on the beach or hiking through the dry terrain, this harness was totally adaptable. It is lightweight enough to be worn for long walks without causing my dog discomfort. It is also durable enough to withstand any natural wear and tear.

Speaking of durability, the True Love harness is made of a strong Oxford nylon mesh that is breathable and imperishable.

According to our panel of independent testers, the spongey padded layer protects your dog’s chest and shoulders from any rubbing. They think that no matter how much your dog sweats, the harness won’t feel itchy.

As for the sizing, True Love have provided a wonderful size range. The smallest size is a mere 33-43cm across the chest. The largest size is 81-107cm across the chest. The straps are fully adjustable and work independently of each other. So, you can even adapt this no pull harness to your dog’s shape. Barrel chested dogs like Dachshunds are catered for. Wide chested dogs like English Bull Terriers are catered for. Slim chested dogs like Greyhounds are also catered for. I love how they really have made this harness with all dogs in mind. As we mentioned, it is heavier than our number one choice, that may be be fine depending on your location, dog breed, and time of year.

Finally, let’s discuss the “no pull” of it all since that’s why you’re here! This harness works via two attachments. There is a front attachment and a back attachment. For the best results as a no pull harness, we recommend you use the front attachment as you walk. This will give you more control. It was definitely my dog's preferred wearing style, and after consulting with other members of our research panel, they echoed these sentiments.

We are not the only ones who rave about this fantastic product. It is incredibly popular with 1000s of genuine, 5-star reviews attesting to its great sizing, comfort and wearability for 1000s of dogs.

Overall, we cannot recommend this harness highly enough for the stubborn pulling dog in your life!

For a lightweight alternative to the Adventurer, True Love makes a pure no pull dog harness made for the strongest of pullers. The way it works is that the straps over the shoulders and across the chest pull slightly when your dog pulls ahead. This causes slight discomfort which discourages pulling. Of course, our experts want to remind you that this should be paired with gentle, consistent training for the best results, but this harness is an excellent place to start!

I also like this harness because of its adaptability. Like the Adventurer at our number two spot, it comes in an impressive size range from extra small to extra large. Dogs of almost every breed are well catered for with this particular model.

The straps are fully flexible and the chest straps are stretchy and breathable. The padded nature of the harness reduces the risk of chafing. Meanwhile, the durable nylon material ensures its longevity with extended use.

All of our expert testers noted that this harness is a breeze to take on and off with quick release, well-constructed buckles.

What I also personally love is the design range. There are an incredible amount of colours available for this model, making it a stylish choice as well as a functional one for my pup. The highly reflective strips also enable you to use this harness during the day or night.

To sum up, True Love strikes again with an excellent no pull harness for your pooch.

If you’re on a budget but still want a high quality no pull dog harness for your doggy, then Rabbitgoo has you covered.

As with the previous two picks, this has two attachments. One at the chest level and one on the back. The chest is best used for pulling dogs as we have discussed. Rabbitgoo have made the chest plate extra padded and shock absorbing so you won’t harm your dog when they pull ahead.

This is an overhead harness that is simple to take on and off. Fully adjustable straps made it completely customisable to my dog’s body shape and size. There is also a top handle to take control on days when my dog was acting extra fiesty.

Related: The Top Dog Harnesses With A Handle.

As for sizing, the Rabbitgoo comes in four sizes. The smallest size has a chest measurement of 40 - 70cm. The extra-large size has a chest measurement of 52 - 100cm. While our experts note that this is a pretty decent sizing range, they ask that you keep in mind that this excludes very small dogs and the most giant of giant dogs. If your dog falls into either of these categories, we would suggest one of the other options on this list.

Made of a durable Oxford nylon, you can rely on this harness to last you a while. The mesh material and spongey lining are also comfortable and breathable for your dog.

To top it all off, who doesn’t love plaid? Honestly! It suits every type of dog of every colour and style. I would love some more design options but I’ll let them off the harness on that feature. Red plaid is always a good look after all.

Rabbitgoo is known for having high-quality harnesses at an economical price. If the sizing will work for you, this is not a bad option at all.

As we mentioned before, small dogs have slightly different needs when it comes to harnesses. They are much better off with a back-attached no pull harness for their safety, even though front-attached harnesses are generally better for pulling.

That said, if your dog is a puller like mine, then you still need a decent amount of control. Luckily, the Puppia Soft Harness gave me just that when I tested it out with my pup.

This back attached no-pull harness gives you subtle control without causing any damage to your small dog’s delicate physiology. The unique design and strong, breathable mesh fabric apply an even pressure across the chest which prevents your dog from pulling without injuring them.

The Puppia is an H-shaped harness that slips over your dog’s head, so you must measure their neck to ensure the perfect fit. This particular model is for really small dogs, unlike with our number four choice that offered no such option. With a maximum of a 42cm chest, this makes the Puppia ideal as a perfect puppy harness.

Our experts also note that the belt that straps around the back is fully adjustable. It is made of a nicely aerated fabric that feels fresh against the skin.

This harness is machine washable which is a huge plus. Everyone on our research team also loved the cute bright colour!

Finding a no pull harness for small dogs is pretty easy. They are very well catered for, but what about our extra large pups?

We’d say that the True Love harnesses we previously mentioned have fabulous sizing for large and extra-large dogs, but here is another great option if those don’t capture your imagination.

The PHOEPET is a well priced no pull harness with plenty of cool features.

Firstly, the way you put it on is somewhat unique. It doesn’t go over your dog’s head at all. Instead, it straps on with three buckles - two at the chest and one at the back belt. In theory, this improves the ease of putting it on. However, I would argue that with a very excitable dog, this takes a little longer to clip on. (Those who know will know!)

Related: Best Large Dog Harness.

A couple of things our testing panel experts noticed is that this harness comes with both front and back lead attachments. The front attachment is ideal for anti pull harnesses. Meanwhile, the material is durable, breathable and highly reflective so it’s perfect for walking at all hours.

I also love how there are 5 sizes available from extra small to extra large. Since we are talking about extra large pups here, you’ll be happy to know that the largest size has a maximum of 84cm of width at the neck and 100cm of width at the chest. Like many of the other harnesses on this list, the four straps are fully adjustable to ensure a better fit.

If you’re in the market for an anti pull harness for your giant dog, this is a fantastic option that ticks all the boxes.

Finally, let’s talk about puppies! Puppies do very well with harnesses for the same reasons as small dogs do. According to the vets on our expert team, by using a harness, you are not applying too much pressure on their delicate, growing respiratory tract. Harnesses are easier for your young dog to adjust to as you begin walk training. You can also train your puppy more easily to stop pulling right from the start.

For puppies, our panel of researchers highly recommend the EzyDog Quick Fit Harness. The tagline for this product is “the simplicity of a collar with the control of a harness”. This is great for puppies as it is simple to use whilst also giving you the assistance you need during walk training.

I noticed that this harness has an unusual construction, with one chest strap and one belly strap that are clipped together with a single buckle. This makes it super easy to clip on and off quickly.

EzyDog creates this harness in 6 sizes from XXS to XL. The smallest sizes are sure to fit your puppy if you measure their chest correctly.

Durability is always a key factor when it comes to shopping for your puppy! This puppy harness will not disappoint. Made of a tightly stitched nylon and soft padded neoprene, our experts note that this fabric mesh is both gentle on the skin and long-lasting.

Harnesses vs Collars

So why not opt for the simple collar for your anti-pulling training? Well… you can but, as our expert team of veterinarians and fellow dog parents point out, it’s not advisable for a couple of reasons.

Related: Dog Collar Vs Harness.

Safety

The first is that as your dog is a puller, they are likely going to put a lot of stress on their necks as they strain to pull ahead from you.

But that isn’t the only danger when wearing a collar. (1) Vets report seeing many collar-related injuries and issues such as:

Now, we are not recommending you forgo a collar altogether. Collars serve many other purposes than just as a walking tool. To avoid any issues when you aren’t walking, the collar must be sized correctly for your dog.

If you want to ensure maximum safety while walking your dog, a no pull harness is the way to go.

It’s worth noting that harnesses have their dangers too. (3) Harnesses should not be worn for long periods. They are less comfortable for long term use than collars are. However, our experts want you to know that ensuring that the harness is well-fitted will help you avoid most of the pitfalls of dog harnesses.

Training your dog not to pull

Of course, the primary way you stop your dog from dragging you around to read every wee-mail on the street is by way of gentle, authoritative training. You can use a combination of vocal commands like “heel” and treats to positively reinforce good walking habits. (4)

Over time you, hopefully, reach the loose leash level of walking where your dog angelically trots beside you with the leash slack between you - the dream! 

Beyond the safety factor, a collar also won’t be very effective as a training tool to support you in your quest for perfect walking etiquette. A collar doesn’t really give you much control.

By contrast, harnesses are often used specifically as anti-pulling tools. The front lead attachment of many no-pull harnesses puts even pressure across your dog’s chest as they pull ahead from you which, in turn, encourages them to turn around. The more they struggle to pull ahead from you, the more the lead will coax them around to meet you. Pairing this with your vocal training will have them walking politely in no time at all! (5)

As an anecdote, I wanted to mention that some breeds are just more prone to pulling than others. My flat-coated retriever constantly has her nose to the ground and is, therefore, captivated by the many smells she finds on the way. She often stops to smell things as we walk and that can mean dragging me sideways from time to time.

On the other hand, my Podengo is a sighthound and always keeps his head up. He walks like he’s on show. His chest is proud, the leash is loose as he obediently always walks beside me with his eyes fixed ahead.

The differences in walking etiquette come down to their innate habits rather than training. Regardless, they both have harnesses as we work to keep the pack together as much as possible!

What to Look for In A No-Pull Harness

Sizing

As I mentioned before, sizing is a key factor in getting the ideal anti pull dog harness for your pup. To make sure you are buying the right product, our experts recommend measuring the circumference of your dog’s chest and neck before you start looking.

You can then compare these values to the no pull harness you happen to have your eye on. When measuring the neck, you are measuring the widest part which is closest to the collar bones. This is where your harness is likely to sit.

The perfect fit ensures the best comfort.

Front or back lead attachments

The benefit of having a dog harness is that you can have different lead placements depending on your dog’s physiology and what you are using it for.

Front-lead attachments attach at the breastplate of the harness. This is ideal for anti-pull dog harnesses because these maximise that subtle, pressured feeling across the chest when your dog pulls ahead from you.

Many harnesses also come with a back-lead attachment that attaches to the midpoint of your dog’s back. This has slightly less control as an anti pulling mechanism but it is better for brachycephalic breeds and small dogs.

Dogs like Chihuahuas, Pugs, Dachshunds, and Frenchies are brachycephalic breeds. (6) This means that they have tender throats that are susceptible to collapse or breathing issues if there is a lot of pressure applied to their neck and chest. With that in mind, it is best for you to choose a back attached harness than a front attached one if you are a doggy parent to one of these breeds.

Comfort

We know that comfort sounds a little broad. That’s because “comfort” means different things to different dogs.

For example, if you have a short-haired small dog, they may love some extra padding when walking in the wintertime. On the contrary, a long-haired large dog may suffer from too much heavy padding.

As you shop for dog harnesses, our experts want you to ask yourself a couple of key questions when it comes to construction. Is the harness lightweight enough for your dog to walk freely? Is the material breathable and skin safe?

These are all key factors in the comfort level of the harness you choose. Keep your dog’s unique needs in mind and you’ll find the right product for them!

My Final Say On The Top No-Pull Harnesses Australia

When it comes to the best no-pull harness Australia has to offer, our panel of researchers' top picks are the Fur King no pull harnesses. They have a fantastic size range, cool designs and are completely fit for purpose. But the question is, which is right for you and your pup?

Our recommendation is that if you have a dog with long hair, they may prefer the True Love No Pull Harness because it is lightweight. The Adventurer is a little heavier so short-haired dogs will work well with it.

Want to learn more about dog harnesses? Check out our below guides:

• Dog Car Harnesses

References

1. Lowe, L. January 16, 2018. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-collars-can-harm-your-dog
2. Clark, M. “Collar Versus Harness: Which Is Best For Your Dog?”. DogTime. Retrieved February 23, 2023.  https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/43739-collar-vs-harness-best-dog
3. Sullivan, M. November 29, 2017. “Surprising Dog Harness Dangers to Avoid”. PetMD. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/surprising-dog-harness-dangers-avoid
4. Donovan, L. August 30, 2019. “How to Teach a Puppy to Walk on a Leash”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-puppy-walk-leash/
5. “Leash Training for Better Fitness”. M, Taylor. PetMD. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/leash-training-dog#1
6. Williams, K. “Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs”. VCA Animal Hospital. Retrieved February 23, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs